Compare Ketoconazole vs. Cresemba

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Nizoral (Ketoconazole)

Prescription or OTC

Cresemba (isavuconazonium)

Prescription only

Treats fungal infections.

Nizoral (Ketoconazole) is a medication used on your skin to treat fungal infections; however, it takes several weeks for full recovery, and the directions are specific to each type of medication.

Treats serious fungal infections.

Cresemba (isavuconazonium) is used to treat serious fungal infections as an alternative if you had problems with first choice medicines. However, it can be very expensive.

Upsides

Recommended as a first choice medication to treat skin infections caused by fungi, including cradle cap, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolor.
Nizoral (Ketoconazole) isn't taken orally, so it doesn't cause liver issues.
Can be used with other medications to help control redness and swelling.
The 1% shampoo is available over-the-counter in the drugstore.

Unlike some other antifungal medications, you don’t need regular blood tests while you're taking Cresemba (isavuconazonium).
Cresemba (isavuconazonium) has fewer and milder side effects than other medicines for fungal infections.
You only need to take Cresemba (isavuconazonium) once a day after the first two days.
If you have conditions related to a slow or abnormal heartbeat, Cresemba (isavuconazonium) may be a good choice for treatment of a serious fungal infection.
Available in both an injectable form and capsules you take by mouth.

Downsides

The foams (Extina and Ketodan) and gel (Xolegel) are only available as brand name and can be more expensive.
The 2.5% shampoo and creams are available only by prescription, but are generic.
The shampoo has to be left on for at least 5-10 minutes after lathering before you rinse it off.
It can take a few weeks for the infection to clear and a few months before the skin returns to its normal color.
The fungal infections can be confused for other skin infections, so if Nizoral (Ketoconazole) doesn't work, it could be caused by another skin problem.

Cresemba (isavuconazonium) needs to be taken twice daily.
Cresemba (isavuconazonium) may cause serious blood, muscle and liver problems.
Cresemba (isavuconazonium) is not recommended if you have kidney damage.
Cresemba (isavuconazonium) has a high incidence of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache and malaise.
Cresemba (isavuconazonium) can negatively affect your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

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